We are looking for deadly people to work with mob to help them navigate the legal system and work through their options.

• Sydney & Melbourne
• Full-time 
• Excellent salary and employment conditions

knowmore Legal Service is seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisors to join our organisation within the community legal sector.  

About knowmore Legal Service

We provide free legal information, advice, representation and referrals, financial counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse through the National Redress Scheme and the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. 

Last year 46% of people contacting us were First Nations People, so we aim to provide a culturally safe service. A key part of this is the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisors to assist First Nations survivors to receive legal assistance, working closely with other multi-disciplinary team members to deliver services to them in a culturally safe and respectful manner.

About the role

The role has three purposes, 

1. to provide direct support to First Nations survivors as they navigate the legal pathways to redress;
2. to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with social workers, lawyers and financial counsellors to help and support First Nations survivors through the process and
3. to participate in projects and community education activities and initiatives to achieve systemic reforms for the benefit of First Nations people.

To undertake this role you need to have a:

• Sound knowledge of First Nation cultures inclusive of values, protocols and any other issues relevant to First Nations communities, in both urban, rural and remote areas of Australia.
• Strong commitment to social justice and to meeting the legal, cultural and related needs of First Nations peoples across the diverse cultures that exist across Australia.
• Demonstrated skills in writing, communicating, consulting and negotiating with individuals and groups within First Nations communities and government agencies across Australia on complex and sensitive issues in a trauma informed manner.
• A demonstrated capacity to self-manage, including being able to work effectively with other disciplines in a multi-disciplinary team and deliver quality work to meet deadlines.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (or substantial progress towards such a qualification) or significant experience supporting First Nations People.

The role may involve regular intrastate, and some interstate travel to deliver services to survivors on an outreach basis and to undertake community engagement activities. Accordingly, a current driver’s license is highly desired, along with the ability and willingness to travel, including to remote communities for up to a week at a time. 

knowmore uses a multidisciplinary model bringing together lawyers, intake officers, social workers and counsellors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement advisors and financial counsellors to provide trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally safe legal assistance to clients.  Services are provided through a national phone line and face-to-face services in key locations, supported by a comprehensive program of outreach and community engagement across Australia.  knowmore currently has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin.

Job Description is available by sending an email to [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

This is an identified position. To be appointed, this individual must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who identifies and is recognised as such within their community.

Exception under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. knowmore can specify a requirement for male or female staff in order to serve First Nations People of that gender.

Benefits

A competitive salary commensurate with the not for profit sector is offered together with the availability of salary packaging to achieve a tax effective total salary package. In addition to being a flexible workplace, knowmore offers 12% superannuation (0.5% above the SGC), a 37.5 hour working week and 4 weeks annual leave, including annual leave loading.

Employees have access to a training and development opportunities as well as our Employee Assistance Program.

Additionally, following your probationary period knowmore offers the ability to partially work from home to facilitate a balanced work life. 

To have a yarn and learn more about the job contact either of the following Senior Aboriginal Engagement Officers:

• Margaret Coyne on 08 6117 7249
• Jason Warrior on 08 7092 2747

Meet Aunty Glendra

Aunty Glendra Stubbs is a Wiradjuri woman and an Elder in Residence at knowmore. She has been supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients since knowmore began in 2013. In this video, Aunty Glendra shares her story about working at knowmore and supporting her clients on their journey. Video Link: https://youtu.be/Ib4Va2apySU 

Further Information about knowmore is available at www.knowmore.org.au

There is no application closing date but interviews may be conducted as applications are received.

Due to the volume of anticipated applications, only successful applicants will be contacted. 

The role will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Records Check and a Working with Children Check.

To be appointed to the role, an applicant will also need to comply with the requirements of any applicable legislation relating to legal practice (i.e., not be a person disqualified from employment by a legal practice) and will also need to meet the entry requirements for professional visitors to correctional centres across Australia.

knowmore considers that being an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s42 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT), s14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), sub-s 35(1)(b)(ii) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT), s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), sub-s 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA), s41 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tas), sub-s 26(3) or s28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), or s50 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).

knowmore considers that being an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander and of a particular sex is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT), s31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), sub-s 35(1)(b)(ii) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT), s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), s34 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA), sub-s 26(3) or s30 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), or s30 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).